DCI Cops Jailed After Opening Fire On EACC Detectives

EACC in a statement on Saturday, December 2 revealed that the officers attached to the Kabete Police Station were accused of attempting to take Ksh1 million from a Japanese national by force.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Dec 2, 2023 - 16:43 Updated: Dec 2, 2023 - 16:43
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DCI Cops Jailed After Opening Fire On EACC Detectives
Officers stand guard at the entrance of DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road. /NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE

Two officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were jailed after firing at detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in a bid to escape arrest.

EACC in a statement on Saturday, December 2 revealed that the officers attached to the Kabete Police Station were accused of attempting to take Ksh1 million from a Japanese national by force.

The duo had accused the foreigner of being in the country illegally when they were caught red-handed by the detectives but responded by firing gunshots to distract them in their line of duty.

EACC offices at Integrity Centre in Nairobi. /FILE

"This week, the Anti-Corruption Court sitting in Milimani jailed two DCI officers who shot at EACC detectives in a mission to arrest the Kabete-based officers for attempting to extort Ksh1 million from a Japanese national they had accused of being in the country without proper documentation," stated EACC in part.

Chief Magistrate Thomas Nzioki found the two officers guilty of receiving a bribe, concealing evidence, and obstructing EACC officers on lawful duty.

On Wednesday, November 29, the Court sentenced the first officer to pay a fine of Ksh1.9 million or in default serve five years in jail while the second officer was fined Ksh400,000 or serve one year in prison.

The sentencing came notably a day before a traffic police officer opened fire on EACC detectives during an operation conducted at the Naivasha-Mai Mahiu Road which saw the arrest of three officers.

During the scuffle and shooting, the two fugitive police officers took away some of the money that had been recovered by EACC detectives amounting to about Ksh15,000 collected in one hour.

In response, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Mirriam Muli announced that traffic police officers were banned from carrying firearms while on duty.

"It has been noted with great concern that officers actively engaged in traffic duties are armed. This has resulted in the misuse of firearms by the officers. From today 30th November 2023, no officer actively on traffic duties will carry a firearm," read a communiqué addressed to all regional police bosses across the country on Thursday, November 30.

"Commanders should ensure that this directive is complied with immediately."

A traffic officer ambushed by an EACC detective wearing a bodycam along Naivasha-Mai Mahiu road on November 30, 2023. /CITIZEN DIGITAL